Vapor Intrusion Studies

Vapor Pin® sampling devices are used world-wide for the collection of sub-slab data used in support of comprehensive and defendable vapor intrusion evaluations. Vapor Pin® sampling devices provide secure, leak-proof conduits to the sub-slab environment required for the collection of high-quality sub-slab soil-gas samples and differential pressure readings. Vapor Pin® devices are easily and securely connected to a wide variety of sampling media (canisters, evaluated vials, and sorbents) and detection instruments (PIDs, multi-gas analyzers, manometers, and pressure transducers). In addition, Vapor Pin® devices can facilitate active and passive sub-slab soil-gas sampling techniques.

Site Characterization

Vapor Pin® sampling devices allow for the efficient, thoughtful characterization of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in soil gas beneath any hard surfaces. Using a gridded approach, sampling teams can install and screen the VOC content of soil gas using vapor screening instruments such as a photo-ionization detector (PID) or multi-gas analyzer in minutes. Based on these real time results, the sampling grid spacing can be adjusted “on-the-fly” to delineate areas of interest. Once the areas of interest are located, soil gas samples can be collected through the Vapor Pin® samplers into canisters, evaluated bottles, or onto sorbent tubes for laboratory analysis.

Pressure Field Extension Testing

Vapor Pin® sampling devices have become a standard tool used in the collection of the differential pressure data needed to complete pressure field extension (PFE) tests for sub-slab depressurization system (SSDS) design. Because of the instantaneous seal between the indoor air and sub-slab environment obtained upon installation, the PFE test layout can be quickly installed and reliably monitored. Upon completion of the PFE test, selected Vapor Pin® sampling devices can be secured and left in place for future use in demonstrating that the SSDS is meeting its design criteria.

Tracer, Surrogate, and Indicator Studies

Vapor Pin® sampling devices can assist vapor intrusion practitioners in the assessment of inhabited buildings through the collection of tracer, surrogate, and indicator (TSI) data. These data are used to better understand when to collect sub-slab and indoor air samples for VOC analysis. The small footprint and unobtrusive design of the Vapor Pin® samplers allow them to be deployed in a manner of minutes and provide the leak-proof seal needed for the collection of reliable, continuous TSI data.

Thermal Remediation Monitoring

Vapor Pin® sampling devices can be used in the monitoring of the footprint of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released during the thermal remediation of VOCs in the subsurface. The stainless-steel construction and silicone sleeves used to produce the seal between the Vapor Pin® sampler and the surrounding hard surfaces can withstand the high heat profiles associated with thermal remediation systems.

Long-Term Monitoring

Whether it be the collection of seasonal sub-slab vapor intrusion samples for laboratory analysis, continuous readings needed to predict when to sample, or periodic readings of differential pressure readings to document the long-term performance of sub-slab depressurization systems (SSDS) performance.

Monitoring Beneath Vapor Barriers

The Vapor Pin® Insert is a PVC housing specifically designed to be used in the monitoring of vapor conditions beneath chemically resistant vapor barriers. It is recommended that the Insert be installed pre-construction before the barrier is installed. The threaded cap on the Insert allows it to be positioned at the final floor height. The barrier is then married to the insert as is any other plumbing penetration prior to the pouring of concrete. After the concrete is cured, the cap is removed revealing a cavity to hold the Vapor Pin® sampling device.

Reusable Sampling Devices

Vapor Pin® sampling devices are manufactured from stainless steel, brass, and anodized aluminum which allows them to be removed for reuse. The only consumables are the Vapor Pin® Sleeves and Vapor Pin® Caps, which should be replaced after the sampling devices have been extracted and cleaned.